Police search home of man arrested in Rotherham over murder of Ann Widdecombe  - as neighbours say officers surrounded the property an hour before England's World Cup quarter-final match

By RICHARD MARSDEN, GENERAL REPORTER and JOHN SIDDLE Published: 16:53, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 16:55, 12 July 2026 Police were today continuing to search the home of a man arrested by armed officers on suspicion of murdering Ann Widdecombe. Forensic experts remain inside the mid-terraced address on a council estate in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, with uniformed officers on guard outside. Neighbours said around a dozen armed officers surrounded the property last night before knocking loudly at the door – an hour before England's World Cup match against Norway kicked off. The suspect, one of three brothers who locals described as a 'loner' who normally rarely left the house since his father died last year, answered the door and was arrested. One of the man's brothers is believed to live in Devon, while a second brother and his mother are said to live locally. This afternoon, the house remained cordoned off and guarded by police, with a dark blue tactical support unit, another police van and a police four-wheel drive vehicle parked outside. Shocked neighbours had gathered outside in the sunshine to watch as officers in white forensic suits continued to search the address. Courtney Foster, 25, who lives next door with partner Rayed Astle, 26, said: 'We were in the kitchen and just saw the officers running up. Some were armed. Then they banged on the door very loudly. Police were searching an address in Rotherham on Sunday where they arrested a man on suspicion of Ann Widdecombe's murder Forensic officers were seen heading into the house, after it was confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the murder was politically motivated Ann Widdecombe was killed in her home on Wednesday last week and discovered 24 hours later 'They didn't smash the door down because he opened it. They asked him his name, he confirmed it and they took him away.' Ms Foster said she was also concerned about the man's dog but that she understands police also took the pet. She added: 'There were about 12 officers and quite a few cars. It was quite a shock.' Describing the neighbour, Mr Astle said that he had barely spoken to anyone since his father, who he had moved in with around a year ago, died last December. He said: 'He was someone you'd have a conversation with but that changed after his dad died. He became very quiet. He kept himself to himself and wouldn't really speak to anyone.' Ms Foster added: 'He was always in the house and I don't think he worked.' Other neighbours said the man's red Vauxhall Corsa 'barely moved' from the drive – to the extent weeds were growing on it. Another local said: 'He is one of three brothers but the others moved out, so he was living on his own. 'His father died before Christmas and I think it affected him. He seemed to change because he became even more introverted. Police also remain at Ms Widdecome's home in Haytor, Dorset, with a cordon expected for some days Floral tributes have been left on the lawn outside the bungalow, including a framed picture of Ms Widdrecombe 'You would barely see him - to the point where you'd presume the house was unoccupied. 'Now and again you'd see the upstairs light on but that was it.' One of the man's brothers is believed to live in Devon, while a second brother and his mother are said to live locally. Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'The police came at about 9.10pm.  'There were about a dozen officers armed with guns, both in the front garden and the back garden. 'They knocked on the door and he opened up. They asked his name and he was taken away. 'It was quite quiet, really. There was no commotion. Everyone was watching the England game, so I think the whole thing passed people by. 'It was very quiet how they turned up. There were no lights, no noise - our Ring doorbell didn't even go off.' Neighbour Kingsley Whybrow, 29, said: 'I've never seen anyone come in and out of that house, ever. 'He drove a red Corsa that was parked outside - it had started to rust and there was vegetation growing on it. 'They came at about 3am to tow it away.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.